Satellite Phone Forum

[tam101]

I am the owner of Thuaraya HNS-7100 satellite phone from Hughes.
How do I access the GPS coordinates of my current location from the Thuraya phone? Thanks!

[sat_phone_expert]

I am the owner of Thuaraya HNS-7100 satellite phone from Hughes.
How do I access the GPS coordinates of my current location from the Thuraya phone? Thanks!

A global positioning receiver, such as the one used in the Thuraya terminal functions by using coordinates between the receiver and a set of satellite, to provide information, and address, on the physical location of the phone user anywhere on the globe. Presently the most widely used location determination technology utilizes the benchmark Global positioning System. The system, an array of twenty-four satellites, which orbit the globe, sends out a continuous stream of signals to the surface of the earth that enables the receiver to determine its position. Essentially GPS provides everyplace on earth with its unique address. Its applications are almost limitless-vessels, delivery vehicles, emergency fleets, taxis, planes, surveying operations and many more. GPS is also used a navigational tool, a compass, to help you venture in unmapped or unchartered areas. With the help of GPS you will know exactly where you are at any time of the globe. Thuraya’s GPS is capable of 100 meter accuracy. For the service Providers this technology means maximum billing tracking capabilities that ensure the smooth operation of service. The Thuraya phone offers a wide range of services including location determination.

Thuraya 7100 GPS has following GPS features and functions:

- GPS location determination and storage of 10 GPS positions (7101 has a storage of 25 GPS positions)
- PC interface for GPS downloads and location tracking (PC interface requires data cable)
- GPS location transmission via SMS

The GPS within the 'phone provides accurate location, for display on the 'phone, and transmission by SMS text message to another Thuraya or GSM mobile 'phone. An optional data lead is provided, to permit the 'phone to be connected to a Laptop PC running fax software, or GPS Software from a GPSS CDROM

Here is the procedure if you want to read GPS coordinates on the phone's display:

- Switch unit on
- Press Menu
- Scroll to GPS Manager
- Select Current Position
- Wait until Lat/Long is displayed. This may take up to 15 minutes for the first initialization

If you have a Thuraya 'phone, data lead and Laptop PC, here is a very quick guide to use of GPSS with the 'phone. If you do not have a GPSS CD, you can download GPSS. Consult documentation with the 'phone and data lead for more up-to-date information than this:


- run GPSS, see and hear the demonstration. i.e. test the GPS Software.
- switch on 'phone, outdoors, and select "GPS Manager", "Current Position". Wait for the Latitude Longitude to appear. i.e. test the GPS in the 'phone.
- switch 'phone to "GPS Manager", "Location Track".
- connect 'phone to Laptop PC 9-pin D socket COM1 with the data cable. GPSS should respond with your GPS position (maybe on a World map).
- add more detailed maps from the CD or DOWNLOAD Page. GPSS will use the maps automatically.
- if you add any file named thuraya.cfg GPSS will switch on Location Track automatically.

GPSS supports the HNS-7100 ability to store GPS waypoints and send them to the PC. GPSS handles both the $CVWPL line output from the HNS-7100, when you output a waypoint to the PC, and also the standard $GPWPL output by other GPS like Garmin. The destination is updated. You can make the destination control the map, instead of the car, by hitting the / key, to toggle car/destination.